Disclaimer: I don't own The King of Fighters, though I wish I did…

A/N: Hello, fellow readers and writers. Thank you for stopping. For persistent readers, yes, I know it's been a while. You don't have to say it. I was busy with my scholastic life, but I do apologize. Anyway, last time, we had checked in on some of the teams, but now we are going back to the main storyline and the beginning of the tournament proper. What will happen when all the teams are funneled in together? Well, let's find out together, shall we? And here … we … go:

The King of Fighters XV

Fight Fever Pitch

Just like the throngs of fans and onlookers that filled the locale's seats to its very limits, Rose Stadium was primed and very ready for the start of the tournament. The venue was a large, opera house-styled, open-air stadium. At its center sat a huge, regal fountain surrounded by dark blue flowers that seemed to give of a dull, luminescent glow. At one end stood a large plasma video screen mounted on archway-like structure. Finally, the music started to rise as the lights went dim, and seconds later, a massive display of fireworks rocketed into the air. Instantly, the crowd erupted into cheers over the signaled start. The screen flashed to life as the fireworks waned, and Rose Bernstein appeared on screen.

With pandemonium spreading through the audience, Rose greeted over through the screen, "Good evening and welcome to The King of Fighters XV! This year, we promise to bring you the greatest event we have ever had given … because, this year, we have gathered the largest, most diverse, and best group of fighters in the tournament's storied history. With that in mind, let us introduce the true stars of the competition. Please give a welcome to this year's fighting teams…"

On the other end of the stadium floor, an entrance ramp opened up. One-by-one, the teams emerged and filed into the arena, circling around the fountain, to their respective theme songs. The audience reacted warmly to all the teams, but showed particular enthusiasm over the veteran teams like The Lonely Wolves, The Ikari Team, The Korea Team, The Gorgeous Team (to team member, Leona Heidern's surprise), The Psycho Soldiers, and The K' Team. Oddly enough, the Ash Team was introduced, but was actually absent from the procession. Finally, midway through … the theme 'Unmatched Bloodlines' began, and a colossal uproar instantly broke out as 'The Legacy Team' showed. Adel and Hiroshi were actually surprised by such a strong reaction…

"Hey, that your sister?" Kyo, noticing Rose on a screen off to the side, asked as they circled around.

Not even lifting his head to see, Adel replied, "Yes, but it doesn't matter. That greeting is pre-recorded; we shot it at the start of the tournament last year, when we came up with this format."

Hiroshi, seeing something odd, pointed out, "So, you know she looks like that?"

Adel finally looked up, and he noticed it as well. If he didn't know any better, Adel would have thought Rose in the video … was staring right at him. After the procession, the teams were all present in the same place for the first time, and, as was apt to happen, 'encounters' began to happen…

For one Kaphwan Kim, it had been a thoroughly distressing month. His comrades, Chang Koehan and Choi Bounge, still had not fully recovered from their thrashing from the prior year. His family and his home had been terrorized for months until it finally happened. Two weeks before the tournament's start, Kim's wife, Myeng Swuk, and two sons, Dong Hwan and Jae Hoon, were abducted. Needless to say, Kaphwan Kim was quite disturbed and troubled. With all the teams around, Kim's teammates, Jhun Hoon and Jinju 'May' Lee, looked amongst them, and they soon found who they were looking for: 'The Kang Team' consisting of Jose Rodriguez, Jung Taekuk, and, the Hero of Tang Soo Do, Kang Baedal.

Jose wore loose white pants with Aztec-like markings on blue and orange trim, and was seen flirting with some girls in the front row. Next to him, Jung and Kang rested against the wall, simply talking. Kang stood out wearing a color-inversed replica of Kim's uniform, being red-and-black instead of blue-and-white and his shirt tail hanging down past his knee, earrings in his ears, and black and red sneakers, Kang's dark red hair spiked to the side and parted in the middle. The Korea Team immediately approached.

Jung noticed and reacted with a smile, "Oh, look. It's our countrymen…"

Jhun cordially replied, "Jung Taekuk? There wouldn't be any relation to one Master Taekuk, would it?"

Jung replied confidently, as she glowed with pride, "Of course, he's my father. Do you know him?"

"Only stories… But, it is a pleasure to meet you, and I hope I get to see if any of the stories are true."

Jung replied with a smile, "You will, and, with any luck, you'll see firsthand."

The Korea team looked to Kang, who was looking away from them, a definite air of hostility swirling over him. Right away, Jhun and Kim noticed there was something different about him from the last time they saw him…

"Kang…" Jhun started, trying to be cordial, "It's been awhile. I see you've kept up your training."

Kang reacted crossly, "I'm here, aren't I? Are you two and the heroine here still preaching justice with your fists?"

May Lee said, "We're fighting strong and true … but it's been really tough lately."

"Oh, is that so?" Kang asked, half-sarcastically.

"You speak as if you know nothing of it." Kim said half-accusing.

Kang ignored the insinuation of the comment, and asked coldly, "Why'd you three come over here?"

Kim sternly answered, "We came over here to ask you a few questions: Do you know what happened to my charges, Chang Koehan and Choi Bounge?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." Kang answered, his tone somehow even colder than before.

Kim persisted, stepping closer to Kang, "My teammates were attacked without provocation, and they were beaten so savagely that they still haven't recovered. Do you know anyone who could have done that?"

Kang replied, going a step further with a cutting remark, "No, but that sounds more like bad team management on your part."

Kim came closer, and said as his voice became more accusing, "Even worse, someone invaded my home not too long ago, and now my family's missing. Do you have any idea who could have done this?"

Kang finally looked up at Kim, and said with bone-chilling frigidity, "That's sad, but it still sounds like a personal problem to me."

Shocked at her friend's callousness, Jung exclaimed, "Kang, that's terrible. You don't have to be so mean."

Finally, seeing this going nowhere, The Crown Jewel of Taekwondo sincerely entreated his countryman, "Please, my wife and sons have been gone for two weeks, and I have no information or leads. I need some help."

The Hero of Tang Soo Do viciously scoffed at Kim, "I'll say. Where were you when all this went down? Where were you when your charges were having their heads beat in? What were you doing when your family was abducted right from under your nose…?" The four listening stood in stunned silence before Kang added one last ounce of vitriol. "That's what I thought. It looks like you need to get your priorities straight, got it?"

Shocked, frustrated, and discouraged, Kim could only walk away, his team members close behind. Jung, meanwhile, could only stare at Kang. She was also shocked at The Hero of Tang Soo Do's unsympathetic attitude, completely opposite of the companion she knew…

Finally, Jung managed, "What was that all about?"

Kang offered simply, "I've got nothing to say to Kaphwan Kim. Not yet, not with words..."

"Ow! Quit it!"

The two turned to the unexpected sound, only to see Jose being attacked by a girl wearing a green skull cap and wielding a wrench. Kang and Jung cringed as the girl got in one good shot on the top of Jose's head…

The Lonely Wolves team was standing with Ryo Sakazaki and Robert Garcia, Robert flipping his coin casually as the five shared their respective difficulties. Suddenly, they were joined by three troubling figures: The 'Kings of Southtown' team of White, Grant, and Kain R. Heinlein. Noticing the coin, White spoke first to Robert…

With a sly grin, White predicted every flip, all correct guessed, "Heads… Heads… Tails… Heads… Tails… Tails…"

Thoroughly annoyed, Robert finally acknowledged, "Do you have to do that?"

White, completely pleased with Robert's reaction, offered, "Tell you what. I'll stop if I get the next one wrong."

Robert flipped the coin once more, and White guessed correctly once more. With a growl, Robert angrily put his coin away.

White reacted with exaggerated disappointment, "Aww, that's cheating."

It wasn't long before the Terry and Andy Bogard, and Joe Higashi began staring holes into the 'new boss' team, sparks flying as their eyes met. Ryo and Robert easily noticed of course, and had the expected response, wishing the Terry and company good luck and taking their leave.

Rolling his arm and shoulder in anticipation for a fight, Joe questioned, "What do you want? You looking to start a rumble early?"

Kain coolly replied, "Calm yourself; we wouldn't dream of it."

Terry said with his trademark ease, "White… Grant… Kain… It's been a while since you three last turned up. I'm guessing you three are the new party in town we've been hearing about."

White replied with an evil smirk, "Yes, but that depends on your definition of party. I know it has been for me."

Upset, Andy exclaimed, "You monsters! South Town has fallen into chaos because of you three. I don't think I've ever seen the people this scared and panicked."

Kain replied with a smug smirk, "That's good. Maybe they're starting to understanding."

Basically holding Joe and Andy back at this point, Terry calmly asked, "So, you're still playing the same song, eh, Kain?"

Kain went on to explain, "Of course. My belief has not changed because nothing else has, either. The three of you should know exactly what I'm speaking of. Except for us, the people of Southtown still haven't learned what it is to fight everyday battles. It is still rare to find those with the will to live. Don't you agree, Terry?"

Terry, with very little need to think, gave a succinct and honest retort, "People should cherish their lives … but they have to enjoy them first. People shouldn't have to face life-and-death every day just to get by. With everything we've gone through over the years and still go through, people especially ones in Southtown deserve peace and comfort…" The Lone Wolf flashed a signature 'Terry' smile as he continued, "Besides, solving big problems to save the city is what the three of us are here for."

Kain nonchalantly pushed his hair back with his hand, and offered, "Hmph. Well, I didn't come here to debate beliefs. I'm actually … looking to recruit."

Joe spoke up with a scoff, "Not that I blame ya, but you really are crazy if you think any of us would join you."

Kain let out a sly smirk as he replied, "Don't worry. I'm not after any of you."

"Yo, Terry…!"

All six men looked up to see they had a visitor. Bounding down the stadium steps, it was a young man with blond hair and red eyes, a red, white, and black jacket over a black t-shirt, black pants, sneakers, and his hands covered in a pair of fingerless gloves. This could only be Rock Howard, and the lonely wolves weren't the only ones who knew that. Upon seeing the young man, Kain's smirk grew even wider…

"Hey, kid, what's eating ya?" Terry asked as he looked into the stands.

Rock raved enthusiastically, "This whole thing is awesome. There are so many fighters here. I still don't see why I couldn't compete this time."

Terry gave his young companion a smile, saying, "Like I said, it just ain't a good year to be a newcomer. Next year, though, for sure."

Rock lightly rolled his eyes, and playfully bemoaned, "Yeah, like I haven't heard that before."

His gaze unbroken, Kain spoke through his smirk, "What timing… We were just talking about you."

Andy and Joe, lost to the real details in the situation, reacted to Kain's comment in confusion. Meanwhile, Terry, who knew all too well what Kain meant, felt a chill down to his spine as he reacted to the situation with dread. Rock had an all-together different reaction. Looking at Kain, the young Howard was suddenly stunned, and his body started to flare. Soon, his hands curled to fists and started to shake…

Rock thought as he attempted to make sense of his reaction, "My … My blood… Why is my blood boiling…? Who … Who is this guy…?"

His light tone gone, Terry said, "Rock, go back to your seat."

Rock, still very perplexed, replied in a hushed voice, "Terry, what's…"

"Don't worry about it." Terry said before managing a smile, "Just give us a minute, okay? Go talk to that girl up there that keeps staring at you."

Alerted by the serious look on Terry's face, Rock conceded, "Yeah… Yeah, alright."

Kain spoke as Rock leapt back up the stairs, "You can't stop him, you know. He's old enough now."

The Lone Wolf replied in a more serious tone than before, "Listen, leave him out of this. This is between you and me."

Kain smugly retorted, "No, it's not. It's between him, Geese, and I."

The Lone Wolf said, in almost a growl, "Kain, leave my son alone."

Kain laughed at Terry's sentiment, saying, "Your son? That 's a dangerous thought, considering his actual father is still alive."

Terry adamantly said, "Doesn't' matter. I'm the one looking out for him, and I don't plan on quitting anytime soon."

"Fair enough, but when the time comes, I'm sure he'll find his way to me. Until then, Terry…"

With that final quip, Kain, Grant, and White started to leave until…

"Hey, White!" Terry called out.

The hypnotic knave stopped and turned, saying, "You howled, Lone Wolf."

Terry asked, "I don't get it. You're not getting anything out of this?"

Andy added, "Yeah, how does any of this affect you?"

White chuckled and said cryptically, "That's for me to know, and you all to discover. I will say that if it goes well … the extremist and his mountain of muscle won't be your main concern anymore…"

White rejoined his team with a sly smirk. The Lonely Wolves were not feeling any better after White's words. The bleakness of their situation evermore clear, Terry, Andy, and Joe were left to ponder the oddly disturbing implication of White's offering and just what stood ahead of them this time.

"Major Heidern…" Leona called out.

Standing alone with his teammates, Saisyu Kusanagi and Takuma Sakazaki, in other places, Heidern heard the familiar voice, and turned to see his adopted daughter right behind him. Leona saluted him as soon as Heidern turned.

Heidern casually saluted to get her to relax, and greeted her, "At ease. So, how is your mission progressing?"

Leona, relaxing, took a shallow breath as she thought and relayed in full military-speak, "Slowly … but steadily. I'm still slightly weary of things, and I'm surprised at the changing conditions… However, I feel like I'm making some headway."

Joining them shortly thereafter were two large men in flak jackets and military fatigues, one wearing a red bandana and the other wearing shades and a cap, and a girl with brown military attire, a blue whip, and a holstered Desert Eagle. Ralf Jones, Clark Still, and Whip, Leona's teammates, quickly approached from behind Heidern…

Ralf enthusiastically proclaimed, "There she is! Looks like you made it, kid!"

Clark, very calm next to his comrade, spoke, "Leona… Glad to see ya again! But, you know, it's still odd seeing you on a different team."

Whip offered a simple, "Hello, Leona."

Ralf vigorously rubbed his hands together, and eagerly asked, "So… How's that special mission? How ya holding up?"

Leona paused to think before saying, "It's … difficult. This mission especially hard for me."

Ralf jumped at the chance to encourage his teammate saying, "Hey, don't worry about it. You'll get it soon enough, I promise."

Clark added his own support, "He's right. Just keep at it, and we know you'll make it happen. You always do."

Heidern gave his daughter a slight smile, and echoed his officers' words, "Yes, we have confidence in your abilities, and you never know; you may even surprise yourself with what you can do."

Whip nodded in agreement to everything. Needing and welcoming her team's support, Leona smiled from her comrades' kind words.

Trying to help, Whip asked, "Your team… You've spent a lot of time with them. What do you think of them?"

Leona spoke as the words came to her, "King… Sophisticated, very understanding and a loyal friend… She is very skilled in Muay Thai kick-boxing and quite powerful too; I can't remember being kicked as when she kicked me. Then, there's Mai Shiranui… Spirited, outgoing, confident, obsessed with one Andy Bogard, and an adamant companion. She said she was a ninja, which I doubted at first, but she is quite adept at stealth, particularly her ability to appear seemingly out of thin air…"

Instantly, the Ikari agents got another visitor, appearing as stated 'out of thin air'. Standing in front of them next to Leona was a quite voluptuous woman in red, the aforementioned Mai Shiranui. Leona was unsurprised by the dynamic entry, but the other soldiers were as they recoiled from the kunoichi's arrival.

Leona continued with her speech, "Like just now for instance. You get accustomed to it soon enough."

Mai cheerfully reacted, "Wow, what company! You mind introducing your friends, Leona-chan?"

Leona said as she pointed them out, "Of course not. These are my squad mates: my commanding officer, Sgt. Ralf Jones, Clark Still, Whip, and Commander Heidern, my father. Everyone, this is Mai Shiranui, my teammate."

All the soldiers gave silent greetings in response to their introductions: Ralf gave a casual salute, Clark tipped his hat, Whip gave a slight wave, and Heidern gave a simple nod.

Mai, recognizing the names, happily exclaimed as she put the pieces together, "So, these are the ones you talked about! I'm glad I finally get to meet Leona-chan's family."

Ralf grew a huge smile as he said, "Oh, she called us her family, did she?"

Mai put her arm around Leona's shoulders, and continued, "Oh yeah. And you know what? This is quite a girl you have here. Sure, she was nervous at first, but once we got to know each other, she really fit in with us. She's really amazing."

Leona's squad smiling at the praise, Heidern said as he too smiled with his plan working, "Yes, she is, and we're glad you're enjoying her company."

"Right." Mai conceded, "Well, I have to go. Leona-chan, there's a few other people I want you to meet."

Motioning to the Ikari soldiers, Leona said, "Actually, I think I should…"

Ralf stepped in, suggesting, "No, it's alright. You can go on ahead; we'll catch up later, Leona."

Mai, having the blessing, took Leona by the arm and helped her along. As the two walked off, the Ikari soldiers couldn't help but hold back laughs…

On again, the lights in the stadium grew dim, and the music rose louder. The teams readied their attention and the crowd's cheers rose to a din once more as the large screen roared to life again.

The announcer's voice in her familiar Japanese-accented English resonated, "All teams, please direct your attention to the main screen for bracket placement."

Finally, the opening proper started. The year's theme played as a montage of all the teams in action rolled. The end of the package was marked by the announcer firmly proclaiming 'The King of Fighters XV', the crowd applauding the display. In front of a large bracket, pictures of all the teams came on screen, and disappeared as their names cycled through in random order. Finally, the names filled in the bracket, and the matches were set, the teams studying it once it stopped.

The announcer's voice rang out again, "Here is your path through this year's tournament. Walk it strongly and bravely. All teams, please head to your destinations and good luck! To all our fans present, do not go anywhere. This year's opening contest is about to begin!"

All the teams took one last look at the bracket before beginning to file out. Kyo, Hiroshi, and Adel, however, noticed one last thing before they left. Despite looking out and almost searching for them, Ash, Vice, and Mature were nowhere to be found…

To the crowd's enjoyment, fifteen minutes after the teams cleared out, the announcer's voice resonated once again, "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to our opening contest and the first match of the King of Fighters XV! It's the 'Agents' team of Ramon, Vanessa, and Blue Mary versus the 'Ash' team of Vice, Mature, and Ash Crimson! Teams, select your order, and send out your first member!"

Stationed at one end of the fighting area, the agents were actually the only ones still on stadium floor, leading them to wonder just what their opponents were up to. Two women suddenly landed across from them with their heads down, but there was no question to who they were…

Blue Mary called out as they slowly stood, "Hey, Vice and Mature. How's Hiroshi doing?"

The two exchanged brief looks before Mature replied, "We wouldn't know. What? You didn't see him earlier?"

Confused by the answer, Blue Mary questioned, "You mean … you two haven't been near him at all? And how did you end up with Ash anyway?"

His voice disembodied, Ash answered, "It just so happens I can be very persuasive."

With that, the third member of the team arrived. Slowly blinking into the area, Ash appeared right between Vice and Mature, and gave them a simple hand motion. Taking the hint, the two exited the ring, and, in response, Vanessa stepped forward.

As the crimson-haired boxer tossed her suit jacket away, Ash commented, "You're the first to play, are you?"

Vanessa threw some punches to the air, and replied, "No, there won't be any playing. But feel free to think that."

Ash gave a subtle smirk, and both combatants went into fighting position…

The announcer's voice rang out to earth-shaking cheers, "Round 1! Ready! Go!"

End Chapter

A/N: And that's that. Now, you should remember this chapter, because it sets up a lot of the conflicts in later chapters. Thank you for reading and I hope you liked it. Next time, we'll get to the actual fighting and some interesting developments in the first round. Thanks again for reading, I hope you liked it, and I hope you come back to read more. Please R&R, and, as always, Rant, Rave, and Review.